When I compare my knowledge, skills, experiences, abilities and attitude towards music education from the start of the semester to the end of the semester. I can say that I have learned a lot, in terms of knowledge I learners that you can pay music with your whole body, children use their bodies to perform a song or make sounds (body percussion) which develops a child’s eurhythmic and motor skills. I myself also took part and learned how make sounds with different body parts which was fun.  In terms of Skills I learned how to make music instruments with recycled material and last I’ve learned  about different music concepts,  how they work and how they differ from each other. My attitude toward music concept changed a lot compared to last semester; I am more interested in learning more.

What I have learned from my individual reflections is that I can reflect on what I have learned and what I need to read more or learn more.

What I found challenging is that some concepts especially music concepts were difficult to understand and to do especially the music game.

Yes I found individual reflections meaningful? Because I could see which topics I understood more and which concepts I needed to read more and focus on

What I would change or could change is the lecture should give us more work on music concepts so that we have a better understanding of it, so that it will be easy for us to do when we are in the work field and also have more virtual lesson were the lecture plays music and explains more, because I really enjoy the music education and concepts

What i found interesting and meaningful in the LSKM221 module, is that modules or subjects like this are underestimated and are not seen as important like mathematics or science but this module is important in terms of a child’s social, emotional and cognitive development. It teachers them to express themselves in many ways through art.

What challenged me is the music education or music concepts, I still don’t understand how to explain or do some of the activities.

What i found valuable for my future teaching practice is that I should have a positive attitude towards this subject and make sure I understand all the theories and concepts of this module because it will make teaching and my life easier

What could the possible reasons be that assessment is neglected in Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase?

most people regard art in education as a luxury and don't see the importance of it, they don't think that creative activities like painting, dancing or learning how to play music is important. these activity helps  a child develop motor skills, language and cognitive development. Mathematics, languages or science are not the only subjects that should be give attention art should be given as much attention as other subjects

explain how you would advocate for and heighten awareness about the importance of assessment when speaking with your HOD about your concerns in this regard.

I would show the HOD the results and researches from other school how art has improved the learners language, when learners make art or just talk about it provides opportunities to learn words for colors, shapes and actions. In Foundation Phase children can use descriptive words to discuss their own creations. It will help develop their decision making,  strengthens problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The experience of making decisions and choices when creating a piece of art carries over into other parts of life. If they are exploring and thinking and experimenting and trying new ideas, then creativity has a chance to blossom. It will improve their academic performance children  who participate regularly in the arts are more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, to  participate in a math and science fair or to win an award for writing an essay or poem than children who do not participate. Art does not only improve all the things but it also improve a child's mood and reduce chance of depression.

Art integration in foundation phase it is not a waist of time because it helps learners to develop creative problem-solving skills. Teaching through the arts can present difficult concepts visually, making them more easy to understand. Art instruction helps children with the development of motor skills, language skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking, and inventiveness. Visual arts teach learners about color, layout, perspective, and balance: all techniques that are necessary in presentations (visual, digital) of academic work. Integrating art with other disciplines reaches students who might not otherwise be engaged in classwork, art experiences boost critical thinking, teaching students to take the time to be more careful and thorough in how they observe the world.

What i found interesting is that learners can learn a lot from art they can learn to express themselves they can solve problems and it makes teaching easy especially when it comes to learners who have a problem expressing themselves verbally

What i found challenging is that not all teacher have access to instrument and tools to teacher arts, specially in rural areas. other challenges are religious and cultural believes.

1. What possibly made some learners uncomfortable during these activities?

The language ( the song used was in zulu) used in the activity and dancing in front of the boys

2. Why were some learners uncomfortable?

one learner was uncomfortable because they could not understand the lyrics of the song, they used a zulu song, and the other one was uncomfortable because  she had to dance in front of the boys, she was uncomfortable because it goes against her religion.

3. Can you think of ways to address these issues in future? What will you change?

I would ask learners to choose songs that they all understand, be considerate of others cultures and religion when choosing the song or the activity
4. How can we accommodate diverse learner profiles in our classrooms? What must we beware of?

What i would do to accommodate learners is that i would do activities that doesn't go against their culture or religion.  choose a game and music that accommodate all the learners and appropriate for their grade

1. I would choose Africa Music for my class, because a lot of children don't grow up with or around people who knows African music, so they don't know much about themselves or culture. so by choosing African music will give the the opportunity to learn and embrace their cultures.

2. Yes they are inclusive because children from different cultures, religion, race socioeconomic status are included

2. add activities and music for learners with learning disabilities. Activity that can be used is music and dramatization, we can use easy lines when dramatizing and music themes that are easy and learners will learn fast especially those with learning disabilities.

Hey my Name is Lorato Kwaile, from Vryburg. i want to be a foundation phase teacher because i love working with children. I am compassionate about farming, i love feed the animals, milking the cows and feeding horses. life skills this semester has a lot of work and one needs to keep up. my expectations for this module is to learn more about how the mind of a child works and how to they learn and communicate.

This has been a hectic week for me with my health deteriorating and i was also busy with tests and group assignments from other modules.

in study unit 1: i have learned about Music and holistic development

1. I am confident enough that with my knowledge and skills that i gained from my childhood ( singing, reciting poems and rhymes), learning and researching about teaching music in the foundation phase and its important for child's brain development, i think i am confident enough i can teach learners music through movement.

When it comes to integrating into my practicals i would use music instruments ( if they are available) to teach my learners how to do multiplications, dance or do dramatisation (role play) how to recite a poem or alphabet

2. Holistic development

Erikson's stage of Psychosocial  development:

what i have learned from Erickson's theory is that society and relationships plays an important role in the learners learning process, when a learner has a positive and meaningful relationship with the teacher and their peers they feel safe, valued and feel free to learn or explore. As a foundation phase teacher it is import to believe in our learners, motivate and encourage them to do well in their school work, give them positive response when they do well or pass because it will bust their self esteem and encourage them to keep up the good work.

Piaget's cognitive development theory:

what i have learned from Piaget's theory is that children learn and think different from adults, they learn by playing,social interacting with others and by singing. according to his cognitive development theory children falls under two phases which is: pre-operational stage which is a phase where use images, drawing, playing and singing to learn. The second stage is concrete stage in this stage learners think about concrete events, solve problem and come up with solutions

Vygosky's zone of proximal development:

Vygosky's zone of proximal development is that culture and social interaction are import because they helps learners learn and develop their language, cultural development and thinking is mastered and transmitted through symbols relating to symbols and tools such as language, counting and writing and that it is an integral part of self-regulative abilities. this theory, this theory focus on the learners potential, problem solving skills and develop their problem solving skills.